Are you tired of the same old lunch routine? Look no further! In Japan, bentos have been a staple for centuries, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal in a compact package. Today, we’re excited to share with you our collection of 20 mouth-watering bento box recipes, each one perfect for any occasion.
From classic teriyaki chicken to spicy tuna rolls, and from savory vegetable tempura to sweet tamagoyaki and rice, our list has something for everyone. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick and easy lunch or a parent seeking healthy meal ideas for your kids, these bento boxes are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Japan’s most beloved dishes, each one carefully crafted into a beautiful and delicious bento box. So sit back, get inspired, and let’s dive in!
Teriyaki Chicken Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box recipe that combines sweet teriyaki chicken with savory vegetables and fluffy rice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and chicken pieces. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Cook chicken in the same pan with vegetables for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Assemble bento box by placing cooked rice at the bottom, followed by teriyaki chicken and mixed vegetables.
Cooking Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Spicy Tuna Roll Bento Box
Experience the perfect balance of flavors with this Spicy Tuna Roll Bento Box recipe! Crispy tuna rolls wrapped in spicy mayo and topped with crunchy tempura bits, all nestled in a bed of mixed greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained)
– 1/2 cup of sushi rice
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
– 1 sheet of nori seaweed
– Tempura bits (store-bought or homemade)
– Mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.)
– Sesame seeds and thinly sliced daikon radish for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook sushi rice according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix tuna with soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Lay nori sheet flat and spread tuna mixture onto one half of the seaweed.
4. Roll up tightly and slice into 8 equal pieces.
5. Serve on mixed greens with tempura bits, garnished with sesame seeds and thinly sliced daikon radish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Tempura Bento Box
This recipe combines the crispy delight of tempura with the nutritious goodness of vegetables, all wrapped up in a convenient bento box. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Tempura batter mix (optional)
– Bento box and rice
Instructions:
1. Cut the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, salt, and white pepper to make the tempura batter.
3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Dip the vegetable pieces into the tempura batter, then fry for 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
6. Assemble the bento box with fried vegetables, cooked rice, and your favorite fillings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Tamagoyaki and Rice Bento Box
This traditional Japanese recipe combines sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or snack. Tamagoyaki is a popular Japanese-style rolled omelette that pairs perfectly with a serving of steamed Japanese rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup dashi broth (or water)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, dashi broth, soy sauce, sake (if using), and sugar.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the egg mixture and cook until the bottom is set.
3. Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the edges of the omelette towards the center, allowing the uncooked egg to flow to the edges.
4. Continue cooking and folding for about 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are fully cooked and the omelette is rolled up tightly.
5. Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with steamed Japanese rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Karaage Fried Chicken Bento Box
Experience the harmonious balance of flavors and textures with this Japanese-inspired fried chicken bento box, featuring crispy karaage chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet pickled ginger.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup potato starch
– 1/4 cup water
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Japanese-style rice (cooked according to package instructions)
– Pickled ginger slices (store-bought or homemade)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and potato starch.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss until coated evenly.
3. Dip each piece in water, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve with Japanese-style rice, pickled ginger slices, and garnishes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Onigiri and Pickled Plum Bento Box
Experience the flavors of Japan with this simple and delicious bento box recipe, featuring onigiri (triangular rice balls) filled with salmon and pickled plum.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup salmon fillet, flaked
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 pickled plum (umeboshi), thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Mix cooked rice with water, salt, and sugar until well combined.
2. Shape into triangles and press gently to form onigiri.
3. Fill each onigiri with flaked salmon and a dash of soy sauce.
4. Arrange onigiri in a bento box with sliced pickled plum.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
This recipe serves 1-2 people. Enjoy your delicious Japanese-style onigiri and pickled plum bento box!
Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box
Discover the flavors of Japan with this hearty Beef Sukiyaki Bento Box recipe, featuring tender beef and vegetables cooked in a savory soy-based broth. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup dashi broth concentrate (or store-bought dashi broth)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 1/4 cup sliced carrots
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– Cooked Japanese rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, dashi broth concentrate, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add sesame oil, sliced mushrooms, carrots, and green onions. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. Serve hot beef strips on top of steamed Japanese rice, with the Sukiyaki broth spooned over.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Salmon Teriyaki Bento Box
A delicious and healthy Japanese-inspired meal that combines grilled salmon with sweet teriyaki sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and mixed vegetables. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 oz salmon fillet
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese-style short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup mixed stir-fried vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. In a small saucepan, heat teriyaki sauce over low heat. Brush grilled salmon with the warm sauce.
3. Cook Japanese-style rice according to package instructions. Stir-fry mixed vegetables in sesame oil until tender.
4. Assemble bento box by placing grilled salmon on top of rice, surrounded by stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Japanese Curry Bento Box
Experience the perfect balance of flavors and textures with this simple and satisfying Japanese Curry Bento Box recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Japanese curry roux (available at most Asian markets)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 potato, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt to taste
– Cooked Japanese rice (for serving)
– Assorted bento box fillings (e.g., cooked chicken, boiled egg, pickled ginger)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrot, and potato; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add curry roux and broth; whisk until smooth.
4. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes or until desired consistency.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve over cooked Japanese rice in a bento box with your choice of fillings.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ebi Fry (Shrimp Cutlet) Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box recipe featuring crispy shrimp cutlets, served with a variety of colorful sides. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Bento box components:
+ Japanese rice
+ Steamed edamame
+ Sliced carrot
+ Cherry tomato halves
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and panko breadcrumbs.
2. In a separate dish, whisk together egg and milk.
3. Dip each shrimp in the egg mixture, then coat with flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry shrimp cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve with prepared bento box components.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken Katsu Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired meal that combines crispy chicken cutlets with steamed rice and fresh vegetables, all neatly packaged in a bento box. This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup tonkatsu sauce (or your favorite dipping sauce)
– 1 cup cooked Japanese rice
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, and bell peppers)
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Serve with steamed rice and mixed vegetables.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes.
Yakisoba Noodle Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired bento box filled with savory yakisoba noodles, fresh vegetables, and a hint of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup yakisoba noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (green, red, yellow)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked chicken or tofu for added protein (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook yakisoba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened.
3. Add bell peppers and cook until tender.
4. Add cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble the bento box by placing a portion of the noodle mixture in the center, surrounded by sliced cucumbers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gyoza Dumplings Bento Box
This recipe brings together the flavors of Japan and China in a delightful bento box filled with pan-fried gyoza dumplings, steamed rice, and stir-fried vegetables. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 20-25 gyoza wrappers
– Filling ingredients (ground pork, cabbage, green onions, ginger, soy sauce)
– Vegetable oil for pan-frying
– Steamed Japanese short-grain rice
– Stir-fry vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, bell peppers, scallions)
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the gyoza filling according to your preference.
2. Pan-fry the gyoza dumplings until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Cook Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
4. Stir-fry a mix of vegetables with some oil and soy sauce until tender-crisp.
5. Assemble the bento box with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and pan-fried gyoza dumplings.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of soy sauce.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Unagi (Eel) Rice Bento Box
This classic Japanese bento box recipe combines the rich flavor of unagi with a simple serving of Japanese rice and steamed vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound unagi fillet
– 1 cup Japanese short-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Steamed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese rice according to package instructions.
2. Preheat a non-stick pan or grill to medium-high heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, salt, and white pepper.
4. Brush the unagi fillet with the marinade and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve the unagi on top of a bed of steamed vegetables and Japanese rice.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Okonomiyaki Bento Box
This recipe combines the popular Osaka-style street food, Okonomiyaki, with a convenient and portable bento box format. Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of Japan in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup okonomiyaki mix
– 1/2 cup diced cabbage
– 1/4 cup diced pork or beef
– 1/4 cup diced green onion
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Bento box liner
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine okonomiyaki mix, cabbage, pork or beef, green onion, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and ginger.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Divide the mixture into 4-6 portions, depending on desired bento box size.
4. Shape each portion into a patty.
5. Cook the patties in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and cooked through.
6. Assemble the bento box with a cooked patty, steamed rice, and your favorite toppings (e.g., pickled ginger, shredded daikon, sliced scallions).
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes.
Chicken Karaage and Edamame Bento Box
Transform your lunchtime with this mouth-watering Chicken Karaage and Edamame Bento Box! Crispy fried chicken, tender edamame, and savory sauce come together in a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Karaage:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Edamame:
– 1 cup frozen edamame, thawed
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, soy sauce, and sake. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Fry until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add edamame and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Bento Box by placing fried chicken, cooked edamame, and your choice of sides (e.g., steamed rice, pickled ginger) in a box.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) Bento Box
A classic Japanese bento box staple, Tonkatsu (Pork Cutlet) is a breaded and fried pork cutlet that pairs perfectly with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables. This recipe serves 1-2 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pork cutlet (about 6 oz), pounded thin
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, and bell peppers) for serving
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix flour, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt.
2. Dip the pork cutlet in the beaten egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded pork for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Miso Glazed Cod Bento Box
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet and savory flavors in this Japanese-inspired bento box recipe, featuring miso glazed cod, fluffy rice, and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp white miso paste
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp water
– 1 cup cooked Japanese-style rice
– Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrot, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers)
– Sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and water.
3. Place cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush both sides with the miso glaze.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook Japanese-style rice according to package instructions.
6. Prepare assorted vegetables by slicing or dicing as desired.
7. Assemble bento box by placing cod, rice, and vegetables in a single container.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Japanese Egg Sandwich Bento Box
A classic Japanese-inspired sandwich that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or snack. This bento box combines the creamy richness of soft-boiled eggs with the crunch of pickled ginger and crispy bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 4 slices of white bread
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup of thinly sliced pickled ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the eggs for 6-7 minutes, then rinse with cold water.
2. Butter each slice of bread on one side.
3. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on the unbuttered side of two slices.
4. Place a soft-boiled egg on top of the mayonnaise.
5. Add a few slices of pickled ginger on top of the egg.
6. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the other buttered slice on top.
7. Cut each sandwich into quarters.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including boiling time)
Soba Noodle Salad Bento Box
This refreshing Soba Noodle Salad Bento Box is a perfect combination of protein, fiber, and flavor for a quick lunch or snack. The soba noodles provide a nice texture contrast to the crunchy vegetables and savory edamame.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked soba noodles
– 1 cup mixed greens (shredded carrots, chopped cilantro)
– 1/2 cup cooked edamame
– 1/4 cup sliced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the cooked edamame and cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
3. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced red bell pepper, and cucumber.
4. Add the cooked soba noodles and edamame to the bowl. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Looking for inspiration for your next meal? Look no further! This article features 20 delicious bento box recipes perfect for any occasion. From classic Japanese dishes like Teriyaki Chicken and Salmon Teriyaki, to savory vegetable-packed options like Vegetable Tempura and Japanese Curry, there’s something for everyone. Plus, find creative twists on comfort foods like Karaage Fried Chicken and Ebi Fry (Shrimp Cutlet). With a variety of protein sources, vegetables, and rice dishes, these bento boxes are sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests.
